Growth with Discipline
BDO’s 2026 Private Equity Survey reveals how private equity leaders investing in financial services are balancing growth ambitions with disciplined risk management, operational execution and portfolio resilience.
Based on responses from 193 PE firms that invest in financial services, the spotlight examines the diligence concerns, talent constraints and value creation priorities shaping capital deployment.
What Financial Services PE Leaders Should Know
For financial services investors, the differentiator is no longer ambition alone. The spotlight shows how firms are connecting sharper diligence with the operating capabilities needed to turn capital into durable value.
of financial services investors say creatively managing cash flow across portfolio companies is the value creation strategy most likely to deliver impact this year.
Key Takeaways
Explore five findings shaping private equity investment in this industry:
Diligence is affecting capital deployment
Diligence findings are influencing where and how financial services investors put capital to work.
Talent shortages are affecting deal execution
53% say finding and retaining the right people is the primary factor limiting deal execution at speed.
Investors are pursuing multiple paths to growth
Financial services investors are considering several approaches to deploying capital and supporting growth.
Investors are balancing value creation priorities
22% of financial services investors identify new technology, including AI and digital capabilities, as the value creation strategy likely to have the most impact this year.
Investors are maintaining exit flexibility
Investors are evaluating multiple routes to liquidity as market conditions evolve.
2026 Private Equity Survey
Explore the full report and insights from all 400 respondents.
Methodology
This spotlight reflects responses from 193 PE firms that invest in financial services. BDO’s 2026 Private Equity Survey polled 400 U.S. PE fund managers and operating partners in May 2026 to understand their strategies as well as the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for the next 12 months. The survey was conducted by Rabin Roberts Research.
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